India has dispatched military ships and an aircraft with rescue and relief material to Sri Lanka, where torrential rains and landslides have resulted in several deaths and massive devastation over the last few days.
“We stand resolutely to help the Government and people of Sri Lanka. Assistance being rushed on emergency basis,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Friday.
Two Navy ships, one Naval Off Shore Patrol (NOPV) INS Sunayna and one survey ship INS Sutlej, had set sail from Kochi with 30-40 tons of relief material which includes inflatable rafts, fresh water, medical supplies, clothing and other provisions necessary for disaster relief operations and are scheduled to reach Colombo harbour on May 21 during the morning hours.
“The decision to deploy the ships was taken by the government late in the night, on Thursday in response to the request for assistance from Sri-Lankan government. Both the ships were made ready within six hours after directives were received,” a Navy officer said.
In addition to providing the relief material, would also be participating in the rescue and relief efforts, the officer added. The Navy has also kept two Dornier aircraft on standby at Kochi for any emergent requirement.
The Home Ministry held a meeting in the morning of all concerned for coordinating an airlift of essential cargo where they assessed the quantity of relief material required.
Following this an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft with 60 tons of relief materials and officials from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster response Force (NDRF) was sent from Palam Air Force station in Delhi.
“The C-17 reached Colombo with a halt in Chennai carrying medical supplies, tarpaulins, tents, emergency lights consumables stores, and mobile toilets along with NDMA and NDRF officials,” one officer said.
A tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, Roanu, hit across the Sri Lankan coast causing massive flooding and mudslides which left scores dead and displaced over 1,00,0000 families.
“Sri Lanka is a close neighbour and friend and India has always been the first responder in times of a crisis. As was the case during the Tsunami that affected Sri Lanka in the past, this time also India will extend all necessary help and relief to Sri Lanka, as requested,” MEA said in a statement.
The ministry is in constant touch with our High Commission for any additional logistical support that might be required, the statement added.
